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China to Recall Europe-based Players for World Cup Qualifers
Though being heavily rated favorites for the group stage competition, China remains persistent in recalling three Europe-based players for the World Cup qualifiers.
But what may make things turn sour is that all the clubs have felt reluctant to release these star players.
England's first division club Crystal Palace, where Fan Zhiyi plays, and Bundesliga first league Eintracht Frankfurt, where Yang Chen stays, are both struggling to avoid being relegated as the season nears its end.
Without need to worry about being demoted, Xie Hui's Alemania Aachen of Bundesliga second league is still striving for best possible performances so that they could win more sponsorship deals next season.
But it is a forgone conclusion that despite their specific situations, they are not justified to decline to release players for the international matches.
"According to the related rules of the FIFA, the world sport's ruling body, the club should release players if they are wanted by the national side," said Dong Hua, a spokesman with the Chinese Football Association (CFA).
"All the clubs are professional club in the world. They are not expected to breach the rules of FIFA," Dong added."Players deserve to be back if they are recalled."
But it seems that the CFA does not turn dear ears to what is happening to the clubs, still attempting to reach a compromise between them.
"We understand what are happening to the clubs, we are still keep hot-line contact with clubs and the players," Dong said.
So far only Fan is all but certain to come back home with the other two still in question. But all of the three have been listed in the 24-member squad for a training camp before the World Cup qualifiers.
Despite the clubs' reluctance on this matter, all the players have expressed that the national interest is second to none.
They have promised to be at the beckon and call of the national team even if China is tipped as the obvious winner of a group which also includes Indonesia, Cambodia and Maldives.
But a compromise will make the players feel more comfortable as they do not want to hurt the interests of both the national team and the club.
"If recalled by the national team, I am sure to go back. The interest of the national teams is above all,"said Xie.
"But the CFA had better come to a compromise with the club, otherwise my transfer next season will be negatively affected," said Xie, who have dreamed of playing in the first division of German.
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